A Commitment to Global Sports

Emily Fraser has carved a significant niche in the sports promotion industry as the CEO of Matchroom Multisport and the Director of Matchroom Sports. Her path to leadership is marked by a blend of hard work, tenacity, and a strong commitment to growing sports internationally.

Fraser has played a pivotal role in elevating various sports, notably pool, within Matchroom Sports, a renowned UK-based sports promotion company that has over 40 years of experience in boxing, snooker, and darts. Under her stewardship, the company successfully developed the World Nine Ball Tour, providing a competitive platform where players gain both ranking points and global visibility.

From Humble Beginnings to Respected Leadership

Fraser’s career trajectory in the sports field has not followed a traditional path. When she commenced her journey with Matchroom Sports, she lacked formal training in event management or sports promotion. Instead, her varied roles and steadfast determination helped her slowly ascend through the ranks.

“When I started, I just turned off. I didn’t take no for answers,” Fraser reflects on her early days.

Her determination and commitment allowed her to contribute significantly to the advancement of various sports, establishing herself as a key influencer within the organization.

Achievements in Pool: Expanding the Nine Ball Tour

Fraser has faced challenges in her mission to grow the World Nine Ball Tour, particularly in identifying and developing markets such as the Philippines. Despite the sport’s dedicated fan base in Asia, its popularity still lags behind other sports.

In a recent initiative, Fraser’s team organized the Reyes Cup in Manila in October 2023, attracting a crowd of 1,500 attendees in its inaugural year—a promising start for a sport that is still cultivating its identity in the mainstream arena.

Fraser’s aspirations also include increasing the tour’s presence in the United States—its historical birthplace—by adding more events across states like Texas and Florida. She envisions a vibrant future where pool achieves the same popularity as boxing, filled with electric atmospheres in packed arenas.

Empowering Women in Sports

Fraser is an advocate for increasing female participation in the World Nine Ball Tour. She is concerned about the declining involvement of young women in the sport and recognizes the importance of establishing a more equitable competitive environment.

“Every time I look at the list, I always ask, ‘Where is the girl?'” she expresses. “I want to see more women coming in sports.”

Through the introduction of mixed-gender tournaments and her ambition to organize women-only competitions, Fraser aims to create pathways for female players to shine.”

Navigating Leadership Challenges

Fraser’s leadership style has evolved significantly throughout her career. Initially grappling with impostor syndrome, she overcame doubts and learned to embrace her role with confidence.

“I didn’t get any grades when I was younger, so I felt less experienced compared to others,” she recounts. “But then I realized I needed to listen more.”

This growth has allowed Fraser to lead with empathy and understanding, creating a supportive atmosphere that fosters the development of her team.

The Importance of Diverse Leadership

Fraser emphasizes the unique perspectives that women can bring to leadership roles in sports. She believes that emotional intelligence and empathy are crucial in navigating the pressures of competitive environments.

Her approach focuses on managing team morale and energy, especially during high-stakes tournaments, highlighting the benefits of her blend of compassion and professional acumen.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Fraser is enthusiastic about enhancing female representation in sports leadership roles. Her goal is not only to increase women’s visibility in tournaments but also to inspire future generations to pursue leadership positions within the sports industry.

“I want to see more women step into leadership roles. And I think we’ll get there,” she proclaims. “I really believe that when women see other women succeed, they’re likely to believe that they can do that too.”

Fraser’s journey is a testament to resilience and ambition, as she continues to reshape the landscape of sports while opening doors for others.